Please..I need lots of answers!?

Question

I take my 20 month old daughter to work with me 6 days a week. She has behind the counter and the entire back room to explore but she likes to stay by my side...which I have no problem with. What I need is lots and lots of ideas that I can do with her. I already read, play with stickers, draw/color, which I will continue to do with her but she seems like she is getting too used to the same patterns. So any ideas I will take. If you know of things I can get at Micheals (the craft store) plz tell me. I work here 6 days a week 7 hours a day so I really need lots of stuff. Don't forget she is only 20 months old but definitly acts like she is already 2. Thanks for the help.

Okay..everyone is saying I shouldn't have her at work. She is around her cousins twice a week and they have been sick sooo many times and she has never gotten sick from them or people at work. I do not work in an office, I am a cashier at a family owned store so my attention is not away from her. Even the most of the customers know her. I have lot's of toys for her and a playpen where she takes naps and whenever I get a chance I take her to parks or playgroups after work but I wanted ideas of more productive things to do with her. Everyone that comes through the store and my friends say I have it soooo good because I can be around my daughter so much and watch her grow instead of being in a day care! There isn't anything wrong with me bringing her here.

Answer 1

I think it's great that you can be with her and get a paycheck too!!!! If you work in a store you might want to get her a cash register and shopping cart with some play food. (age appropriate of course) When business is slow you can play store with her. (my daughter loves that)
You can try flash cards or very simple puzzles. I have a set of 2 piece puzzles where you have to match two things that are the same color, shape, letters etc.
Musical instruments are good too
If you have some extra time you can make (or buy) a felt board by taking the glass out of a picture frame and putting a piece of black felt into it then cut shapes out of brightly colored felt and let her play.just make sure the felt pieces are big enough that they aren't a choking hazard
Simon says and i spy are good games too they can teach body parts, colors, shapes, letters. etc.
my daughter loves to help me make up stories then we color pictures for them (she mostly scribbles)
I don't know how well she talks but we play a rhyming game I'll say one word and she will rhyme it then I will rhyme it we keep going until the words get so silly we cant help laughing
you can make simple sock puppets and do little puppet shows
I hope this helps you.

Answer 2

How about blocks or mega blocks like legos. My daughter is sixteen months and loves these. Also anything she can bang. I like the old advice about give the baby a pot and a spoon and they will like it better than any toy. Books, books, books. My daughter loves books. She can also do thes by herself. It will help her develop a love of reading. Just about anything different will work. My daughter is home with me and i run a business out of my house and toys, just different ones work. Maybe, put some away after she has played with them a while and then bring them back out at a later time. That way they seem new and different and you wont have to buy new ones all the time. Good luck. You sound like a wonderful mom, who wants her daughter to be healthy happy and well rounded. I applaude you for not putting her in daycare. You can do it best.

Answer 3

I am going through the same thing right now with my 19 mo old. He is very much wanting someone by his side all the time...does not want to play alone. The only thing I try to do is distract him into getting interested in something and walk away....which generally only works for a few minutes.
I think it is normal for their age and it depends on the baby's personality also. I think it is a phase until they get a little older and their attn span is longer.
I cannot get anything done at home right now...but it will wait. Nuturing our kids has to come first.

Answer 4

There is nothing wrong with you taking her to work. She will be fine playing by your side. You don't always have to play with her. Bring some toys she can play with by herself. Bring books for her to look at alone, this will promote a love for books! If you have hobbies like knitting and the like or scrap booking, do those in front of her when she plays to encourage her interest. Scrap booking can be shared with her. You know what she is able to do. There is plastic canvas for kids large holes and plastic needles. She may be able to do this with your help. You seem to be doing ok. Use Michaels as a base for help. I have found the workers at the store I go to very helpful when looking for ideas! Take her to the store with you and ask for "mommy & me" crafts. Don't forget about games. Candy Land and the like.

Answer 5

I used to work at a family owned store and brought my daughter everyday.... she was only a few months and I worked there till she was a little over two? (I think?) so for the people that think it is not good? I would like to ask who dies and made you boss? in my situation? it was... in this young lady's it is for her.. for her family.... she did not ask anywhere that I saw... "am I doing the right thing by bringig my daughter to work?" nice... judgemental....

I was not going to answer this question, since I feel you are already doing the activites that are best for situation... crafts could be too messy, and needs too much supervision really... the most that I would say for a craft would be allowing finger painting, with a paint that is surface friendly and washable.. and only if there is a place/way to cover most things up where she is doing it... in case her little hands touch many things.... ?

things like cutting, pasting, and and other crafts I woul dthink would not be advised... just for the sake that accidents and toddlers go hand in hand.... lol... and "anything that can happen, usually does" I go with thinking of all the possible things that "could" happen... and if that mental list of "ill" outweighs the "good" coulds? I do ot offer it...

what you could get is a "journal" nope.. not traditional.. but creative.. help her write her name.. decorate it at home even... and daily one page mommy can write in at end of day... making drawings even that she would see flipping thru it the next day....of the day.. or hopes.. or anything..... and during the day? bring it, let her use the markers, crayons, pencils, pens, etc... to just creatively express herself... after she tells you what it is? you can note it in the book... after that one is done.. maybe she and you would have a slow enough day to decorate a box of sorts (either wooden with lid... cardboard... anything) a safekeeping place with the idea that it holds/stores journals and diaries.... for now and future? it is one that can start small.. changes daily, so is not one that will bore a child easily.... and you can actually incorporate activities... for example... creative? one day bring the non-toxic, easily washable glue and a bunch of yarn, maybe some fabric, buttons with you... open the book, and show her (start it with her) how to make a picture with odds/ends and scraps/bits of things... of course the book would end up lumpy? but for as long as it is fun... hopefully years and years... you and she fill these? put them away... and bring them out when she is a bit older... and then once in a while just to talk, giggle with her... helps us to stay close to them.... and? as I said.. it changes whenever how often you like so it does not bore... it is self contained (less likely of a huge store wide mess?)

also, she can make cards for birthdays, holidays... whether they are close or far off? cost effective and she gets create and have fun.... if there is space there for her to spread her mess a little? you can get some of those containers of glitter and let her decorate her creations... glue, glitter and shake.... or glitter glue (although I have bought that, and really do not like it...personal preferences)

really most other crafts that I can think of? at that age/stage would require a lot of adult assistance?

I do hope that some of these are decent and interesting enough... my kids have always prefered the painting, coloring and drawing to other crafts?
do not listen to those who would tell you your daughter does not belong at work.. she belongs with you.. and if you are lucky enough to work in a place you can bring her?! GREAT! :)
good luck

Answer 6

Ugh women used to take their kids out when they worked the farm, you are doing fine by taking your child to your job.

Get some new toys there are lots of great toys for that age. I know you want quiet ones. But I am sure there are some.

I have also seen very young kids learn to knit and whatnot (with special blunt needles). Just talk to the staff at Micheals they should be able to help.

Answer 7

I can't believe your boss let's you take your daughter to work, that's kinda like having your cake and eating it too!! lol I would bring a portable DVD player and some educational movies, or a radio and children's songs and have her dance and/or act out the parts. So she is staying active. You can try puzzles, babies & all their misc, pots/pans. I take 'My Little Ponies' in my daughters' diaper bag w/ us when we go somewhere. I hope this gives you a starting point for ideas. ;)

Answer 8

You work at Michaels and need Ideas?...try giving her some of the crayola modeling clay..and let her imagination go to town (it's fun just playing with it)...give her a cardboard box (one big enough to crawl into)...you would be amazed at how much that can entertain a child...

Answer 9

maybe you could go to the "knowplace" store and get her some things out of there. i dont see a problem with taking her to work with you. good luck. and only you know what best for your daughter.

Answer 10

Honey you really shouldn't have her at work with you all day that's not a normal schedule for a child. She needs naps and time to play at home with her toys not to mention she is around all those people and more likely to get sick. Find a sitter that can come to your home.
momof4
****** THIS IS MY Edit. I didn't realize this was a family owned business it makes a big difference. i know she is still young but can you get a small tv and a vhs recorder and buy somes movies. My son started watching Finding Nemo and likes Barney and Seseme Street. Also a little radio kids love music at this age too. They are rough to keep occupied at times. Anyway I wasn't trying to offend you so I hope none was taken. I am also a working mom and i know It's difficult being a working mom sometimes but even more so for you because you really have two full time jobs with your little one with you all day too. I appauld you and i hope my tips help keep your little girl occupied. Once again i wasn't trying to offend you so i'm sorry if I did.Good Luck!!